Video game development is a fast growing and vibrant industry which reaches audiences across the world. Within Northern Ireland there is an exciting and emerging video game development community which is creating games that are being played globally. This growing industry offers opportunities, both locally and internationally, for those that wish to break in and start a career.
Restart is a 4-month training programme for 30 individuals who wish to start a career in the video games industry and is open to participants from anywhere within Northern Ireland and from any background. You do not need any particular qualifications or prior video game development experience or training to apply, we want people who are passionate about video games and who are interested to learn more about the skills required to have a career in the industry. Restart is aimed at people 19-30 years who are not in full time education or full-time employment.
During the programme participants will be trained in how to use the Unity Game Engine with the opportunity to become a Certified Associate Game Developer. Participants will also work as a team to create and develop a short game within 8 weeks.
The goal of the programme is to give participants an introduction into game development and an understanding of the skills and knowledge needed to have a career in the industry. There will also be talks from industry professionals covering different roles within video game development, as well as workshops on interview/portfolio preparation. As part of Restart there will be an opportunity to engage with local education and industry partners to identify education and career pathways.
The programme is free to take part in and participants will be paid a part-time salary to attend (NMW/NLW). Participants will need to be available to take part in training, workshops and projects on Monday, Wednesday and Friday’s from 7th Dec 2020 – 31st March 2021, excluding public holidays.
Due to Covid the programme will be delivered remotely. Participants without access to equipment will be provided with the appropriate equipment.
We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their sex; religious or similar philosophical belief; political opinion; race; age; sexual orientation; or, whether they are married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled; or whether they have undergone, are undergoing or intend to undergo gender reassignment.
However, as women are currently under-represented in this sector, we would particularly welcome applications from women.
If you have questions please content Rory, Interactive Manager, rory@northernirelandscreen.co.uk
GUIDELINES
Northern Ireland Screen intends to run a skills development programme called Restart. The programme will provide skills training, industry workshops and project-based learning for up to 30 participants who have no prior experience or training in the video game development. Restart is a part-time paid programme (NMW/NLW) and will run from 7th December 2020- 31st March 2021.
The aim of the programme is to give those who are interested in developing a career in video game development, an introduction into the skills needed to work in the industry. The programme will also provide advice and guidance on what to do next to further their development.
As part of the programme participants will receive Unity Certified Associate training from Unity Experts. At the end of the programme participants will have the opportunity to take the Unity Certified Associate accreditation exam.
Where is it based?
The programme will be based in Northern Ireland and participants will be expected to base themselves in Northern Ireland for the duration of the scheme.
The programme will be delivered remotely via Zoom/Slack due to social distancing policies. To ensure that participants have access to workshops and course materials Northern Ireland Screen will provide laptops to those participants that need them. If participants do not have access to a reliable internet connection Northern Ireland Screen can provide internet dongles.
Even when working from home participants are expected to be based in Northern Ireland.
Who is eligible to apply?
You are eligible to apply if you can answer YES to these five questions:
Are you eligible to work in the UK?
Are you a legal resident of Northern Ireland?
Are you available to participate in Restart from 7th Dec 2020 – 31st March 2021?*
Are you currently not in full-time employment or full-time education?
Are you aged between 19 – 30 years old on the date that the programme starts?
* flexible working arrangements are available
If you cannot answer YES to these five questions, please do not apply. Ineligible applications will be automatically discarded.
*For the avoidance of doubt, Northern Ireland needs to be your primary residence for tax purposes. Applicants residing in Northern Ireland will take priority.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be invited to 45 minute Zoom/phone call with a panel from Northern Ireland Screen.
What are the priorities?
Applicants who can demonstrate a long-term commitment to working in the video game industry are being sought, nobody else should apply. We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. However, as women are currently under-represented in this sector, we would particularly welcome applications from women.
Essential Criteria
Demonstrable passion for video games
Desire to start a career in the Northern Ireland interactive sector (video games, VR/AR)
Not in full-time employment or full-time education
Aged between 19-30 years old
Desirable Criteria
Experience of working within a team – work, education or sports/hobbies
Experience of communicating within a team – work, education or sports/hobbies
Experience of working to meet deadlines – work, education or sports/hobbies
How do I apply?
To apply to the Restart programme applicants must submit the following via the online application form where you will be asked to complete:
Employment history (if any)
Educational background (if any)
A paragraph of a maximum of 700 words confirming that you meet the eligibility requirements of the scheme, your aims for the future and how this scheme would help you achieve them. You can also include links to projects which you have previously worked on, professional or personal; and
Details of two referees. These can educational, professional or personal references.
You can access our online application system here. Please note, if this is your first time applying for a role via our online application system, you will be prompted to create a profile. Once registered, the system will retain your information for any future roles you apply for.
How will applications be assessed?
Representatives of Northern Ireland Screen will assess your application based on the following criteria:
The information contained within the applicant’s paragraph confirming that they meet the eligibility requirements;
Strength of references from referees;
Suitability of the scheme for the applicant, i.e. how the individual’s career will benefit from being on the Restart programme.
In the event of a high number of applications being received the desirable criteria will be used to shortlist for interview.
NOTE: Short listed applicants will be invited for a zoom interview in the week of 23rd November 2020
How do I obtain application details?
It is preferable that all applications are completed via our online portal. However, should you require an application form in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources via email: Hr@northernirelandscreen.co.uk or on 028 90 232444. CV’s will not be accepted.
Deadline for applications: 12 noon on Friday 6th November
PLEASE NOTE: under no circumstances will applications be accepted after this deadline.
NB: Due to the high volume of applications Northern Ireland Screen receive, unfortunately we are unable to offer individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES STATEMENT
“We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their sex; religious or similar philosophical belief; political opinion; race; age; sexual orientation; or, whether they are married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled; or whether they have undergone, are undergoing or intend to undergo gender reassignment.”
We will monitor our programmes on an ongoing basis and target any under-represented groups as and when appropriate.